I took a tour of the San Antonio River via river barge with a group of my Realtor friends last night.  As I’ve mentioned in earlier posts, the San Antonio Riverwalk is breathtaking during the holidays!  Pictures don’t do it justice!  Living here in San Antonio, I don’t really “do” the Riverwalk and I confess, it’s been years since I took the barge tour.  OMG!!  What a delight!  This was my first visit to the new Museum Reach extension of the Riverwalk, opened in the spring of 2009, and is it ever impressive!

I also learned (or was reminded) of some San Antonio tidbits, courtesy of “Captain D”, our river barge pilot and tour guide.  Did you know that San Antonio  is home to the second and third-oldest city parks in the United States?  #2 is San Pedro Park, near San Antonio College, a little north of the downtown area, and #3 is Milam Park in downtown San Antonio!  I didn’t know that!  (In case you’re interested, as I was, #1 is Boston Commons in Boston, MA!)

The San Antonio River is named after St. Anthony of Padua because when the Spaniards discovered it in 1613, it happened to be on the day of  the Feast of St. Anthony!  There’s a statue of our patron saint along the river bank.

San Fernando Cathedral, in Main Plaza downtown, is the oldest operating cathedral in the United States!

These are just some of the history tidbits we learned!  There were so many more!  And Captain D was full of information about the history not only of the river itself, but of the Riverwalk and how it’s grown and developed over the years.  Seeing all the historic buildings was exciting too–especially for a history buff like me!

The best part?  All the people on other barges, at restaurants, and just walking along the paths, enjoying the beauty and fun along the Riverwalk!  Everyone was happy and having a great time, including the group on the barge with me!   The weather was perfect and the holiday spirit was everywhere!

If you’re lucky enough to live in San Antonio, do yourself a favor.  Grab a friend, get your family and get down to the Riverwalk!  You’ll be so glad you did, and you’ll appreciate this beautiful city you call home!  If you don’t live here, come see us!  The Riverwalk is wonderful any time of year, but during the holidays, it’s really special!   If you can’t make it this year, make plans to come next year–I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Happy holidays!

Sue